Efficacy of single-inhaler triple therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
摘要
This study aims to systematically evaluate which single-inhaler triple therapy (inhaled corticosteroids [ICS], long-acting β2-agonists [LABA], and long-acting muscarinic antagonists [LAMA]) is safer and more effective for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
MethodsA comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane library and Google Scholar from database establishment to November 2025. Searches were limited to English articles. The RCTs that compared single-inhaler triple therapy (ICS/LABA/LAMA) with triple therapy (ICS/LABA+LAMA) or dual therapy (ICS/LABA or LABA/LAMA) for COPD were included. Minimum duration ≥ 12 weeks and minimum participant numbers ≥ 300 patients. Outcomes included forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), moderate and severe exacerbations, St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score and SGRQ responders, transition dyspnea index (TDI) focal score and safety.
Results12 RCTs (n = 28930 patients) were included in this network meta-analysis. Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol/umeclidinium (FF/VIL/UMEC) was statistically significantly more effective at increasing trough FEV1 (based on change from baseline) than dual therapies (ICS/LABA or LABA/LAMA), free triple therapy (ICS/LABA+LAMA), budesonide/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide (BUD/FOR/GLY) and beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide (BDP/FOR/GLY). In addition, FF/VIL/UMEC, BUD/FOR/GLY, and free triple therapy (ICS/LABA+LAMA) showed significant improvement in the total SGRQ score to dual therapies (ICS/LABA or LABA/LAMA). FF/VIL/UMEC and free triple therapy (ICS/LABA+LAMA) showed borderline significant improvement in the total SGRQ score to BDP/FOR/GLY.
ConclusionThe four available single-inhaler triple therapies and free triple therapy appear to have similar effectiveness and safety. Given the absence of direct comparison studies differences cannot be found with a sufficient level of certainty. Further analysis is needed, as additional evidence becomes available.